KLG Thoughts...

1. The question that I has haunted me for the course of this book is simple. Why is most of Europe completely oblivious to the atrocities being committed in the Congo? At what Point Will King Leopold's good luck run out? When will the world grow weary of the Belgian King's greed? Unfortunately, this question will not be answered until later in the book. However, I find it enjoyable to piece together the evidence of King Leopold's weakening grip on power.

2. For the most part, my group discussion shows potential. Although Drew, Isabel, and I showed a great interest in the relevance of the text, the other half of the group often talked while a point was being made. This was frustrating to say the least. The quality of the group discussion was very high when all participants were engaged and eager to give their opinion. Since I know that I am a strong asset in seminars, it is my goal to raise the interest of others who are diverting from the overall progress of the group.

King Leopold's Ghost Reflection 1

I enjoyed this reading because it has already rounded out my knowledge of the setting of Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness. A memorable quote from Joseph Conrad's story made a strong connection between the two texts. As Marlow tells his tale to his crew, he comments on the imperialist expansion, "which mostly means the taking away [of land] from those who have a different complexion or slightly flatter noses than ourselves, is not a pretty thing when you look into it too much" (Conrad Pt. 1). The author of King Leopold's Ghost describes this as well. I find it intriguing that the nations of Europe got away with complete extortion and even genocide by justifying their heinous crimes with hollow rationals containing little more than hypocrisy and ignorance. The powers of Europe simply hid their injustices behind the veil of religious and humanitarian interests. Out of all of the topics discussed in the first few chapters of Kind Leopold's Ghost, I find this topic especially interesting.

Questions:

1. If the casualties of the conquest of Africa (specifically the Congo) reached levels close to those of the Holocaust, why do most people of our society continue to live their lives without learning about these events?

2. Stanley's compulsive need to reinvent his past was said to embody the attitude of many similar figures at the time. What does this say about 19th century society?

Current Event Report

Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-11155313

News Report

Source:

Title- Obama condemns 'slaughter' as Mid-East talks open in US

Author- None

Publication- BBC

Date- September 1^st

Summary:

-Obama met with Israeli Prime Minister, Netanyahu and later, Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas

*Mediate and Promote peace after four Israeli settlers were slaughtered in West Bank.

*happened because of Israeli declaration that they will not renew a partial freeze on their development of settlements.

Analysis:

*Important because this roots from one of the mos well known conflicts that dates back to the crusades.

*Three sides and points of view

Israel:

-demands- Safety from attacks and protection of existing settlements

-sacrifice- would have to renew partial freeze

-risk- Elected officials of settlers make up the very government that PM runs

Palestine:

-demands- renew of partial freeze → development of independent democratic Palestinian state

-sacrifice- would have to let the current Israeli expansion settlements to remain.

-risk- The Hamas (responsible for anti Israeli slaughtering in West Bank) are very influential and could revolt against Palestinian peace gestures towards Israel.

US:

Quote:

*Must remain mediator → the leaders of Israel and Palestine must want peace the most, not the US.

Future: If successful, this could be a turning point on the road to peace

Thoughts at the End of 9/2 History Class

Today I learned the small difference between Imperialism and Colonialism. I have always used thought these words to be synonyms so from now on, I will have to be more thoughtful of my word usage. Also, I have a deeper understanding of the wide array of reasons a country could have for governing other nations. I'm curious to learn more about one of the major themes of my favorite book. Learning more about Imperialism and Colonialism should enhance my knowledge of the setting of Heart Of Darkness by Joseph Conrad.